Current Projects 

• STOP Grant
  This grant from the Violence Against Women Office, received by Berks County in 1998, creates a collaboration of the local domestic violence agency (BWIC), law enforcement and prosecution in providing training for police officers, prosecutors and professionals in other court-related agencies. The collaboration extends beyond training to working collaboratively daily in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

• Domestic Violence Attorney Network
  Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this network brings together attorneys and advocates from across the state to share knowledge and experiences and receive training on various legal issues.

• Legal Committee
  A subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, group is dedicated to identifying legislative issues, lobbying and education of potential and pending issues.

• Fatality Review
  BWIC and local officials conducted a fatality review in 2001 to study the deaths of 19 Berks County residents that occurred between March 1999 and October 2000 as the result of domestic violence. A formal report was distributed in 2002. Although the grant is over for this project, BWIC continues to monitor domestic violence related deaths and keeps the issue of fatality at the forefront of any training or discussion with other legal systems.

• Supervised Visitation
  This is a current planning grant from the Violence Against Women Office. We are currently working with the county (who is the grantee) to create a supervised visitation center for children who are caught in the cross-fire of domestic violence and whose lives or safety are being threatened by the abuser. The purpose of the center is to create a safe, supervised and therapeutic setting at which visitations with the non-custodial parent may occur.

• Probation and Parole Project
  The Berks County Adult Probation and Parole Office received a grant to create an Enhanced Supervision Program for domestic violence offenders. We were involved in the planning stages of the program and continue to work with the office for support and monitoring of the program.

• Batterer’s Intervention Services
  We monitor BIS groups for compliance and safety issues to ensure that batterers are receiving appropriate facilitation of these services.

• Training
  We provide on-going training to law enforcement and other systems in domestic and sexual violence. We sponsor an annual county-wide training for law enforcement and court personnel, and do an annual Officer Awards banquet to honor police officers who are doing an excellent job for domestic violence victims.

• PFAD
  The Protection From Abuse Database (PFAD) is a new system in Berks County and we work with the PFA Office to assist victims filing applications for a PFA through this computerized system.

• Legislation
  In conjunction with our participation with the PCADV Legal Committee, we also do lobbying efforts in tandem with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. We meet with legislators and assist in writing letters to legislators in matters involving domestic or sexual violence.

• Domestic Violence Coordinating Policy Group
  This is a network of professionals from court personnel to medical and school personnel, clergy and others who come together once a month to discuss domestic violence issues, address problems and provide education and training to the members of the group.